Multiple Perspectives in World History: Participatory Action Research Addressing Instruction on Israel-Palestine in Texas

• In Event: From Bearing Witness to Teaching Consciousness: Instructional and Curricular Approaches to Teaching "Difficult" Topics

Abstract

This participatory action research project brings together educators, human rights activists, and parents to address curriculum and instruction on Israel-Palestine in Texas. A state world history standard on Israel-Palestine reflects a one-sided narrative that results in curriculum and instruction that is biased, unbalanced, and at times openly hostile to Palestinians, Arabs, and/or Muslims. Participant motivations and actions work to implement transformational learning by implementing truth-telling to enact positive change in the classroom, their own communities and society. The project represents a model of how researchers, educators, and community members who have experienced marginalization and oppression can come together to build a world history curriculum based on global understanding and peace rather than intensification of conflicts fueled by misunderstandings.

Author

• Jennifer D. Sayed, Southern Methodist University